We, the undersigned students (faculty and staff) of Wheaton College, are aware of a grave social injustice being committed within our scope of responsibility. Mars Incorporated, one of the largest chocolate producers and cocoa importers in America, is one of Wheaton Colleges greatest supporters. Unfortunately, the company has a documented history of neglecting its responsibilities to foster human rights at the West African cocoa farms where it routinely purchases cocoa. We find that Mars Inc.s apparent acceptance of abusive child labor and consistent refusal to pay fair trade prices for cocoa is in direct conflict with the ideals and principles on which our school is founded.

Wheaton College aspires to be an institution and community that is globally aware and socially responsible; and from this ideology stems our concern for the business practices of one of our most loyal contributors. However, we see the situation as an opportunity to encourage a company with whom we hold a close rapport to change its business model to positively affect the lives of millions in West Africa.

We understand that our relationship with Mars has been beneficial to the college. We therefore do not suggest ending our relationship with Mars. Instead, we relish the opportunity to speak directly with Mars as two closely joined institutions and encourage them to change the way they do business. Ensuring child labor is not used on the farms from which they buy cocoa and purchasing cocoa at an internationally recognized fair trade price is within Mars Inc.s ability. It is our duty, as members of the Wheaton community, to remind Mars of its responsibility to use its business interactions to promote human development.